Oh, and the ticket was dirt cheap. Flying another carrier, it would have cost more and I would have gotten less.

There's a lesson here. Problem for me is: there's no direct translation between air travel and building. Or is there?

As our economy remains the toughest business environment many of us have seen in our lifetimes, where can we cut costs and increase value -- and increase profit? What changes do we need in our business models? Since every business is different I can't tell you. It's my job, however, to ask questions.

Do we cut the marketing budget? Do we market more? (There's a case for both, though I tend to say more marketing is better.) Do we lay a guy off and work weekends or do we give the whole crew a 4-day work week instead of laying someone off?

People in this economy still have money. Lawyers, doctors, (some) executives still have jobs and roofs that leak or decks that need rebuilding. How do we get to them and keep our companies growing and profitable?

After all, it'd be nice to take a vacation from all this work and worry. If you do, might I recommend flying Southwest.

Send me your thoughts, comments, and ideas. (You're now free to move about the country.)